News
Local

Kamiskotia Snow Resort manager Lorne Haveruk is welcoming brand-new changes to Timmins' go-to spot for snowboarders and skiers. Kamiskotia is officially open for the season, and with new runs and night skiing available for all, Haveruk is hoping snow-lovers will have more fun at the resort than they've ever had before.
Photo taken on Friday Dec. 21, 2012 in Timmins. BENJAMIN AUBÉ/THE TIMMINS DAILY PRESS/QMI AGENCY

The dawn of another ski season has arrived at Kamiskotia Snow Resort. Even more so, this winter marks the beginning of a new era on the four faces of Timmins' proud Mount Jamieson.

"This is a new and exciting Kamiskotia," said resort manager Lorne Haveruk. "This year, we've actually made more changes than have been done in many, many years."

Perhaps the most obvious of those changes is the brand-new Genivar Sun Deck, built in October and attached to the sunny South side of the resort's chalet. Skiers and snowboarders should able to relax and watch the sun go down on the 42-foot by 16-foot, liquor-licensed deck.

"Also new this year is the night skiing, which is a great deal," explained Haveruk. "It's Friday and Saturday nights, from 6 to 11 p.m, and it's $14 for five hours of skiing for people of all ages.

"Where I grew up (around Barrie), they came up with the slogan, 'It's better at night,' and it is better. It might be a little cool, but it's better at night. I think we're the first ski resort in North America to light the ski runs with highly energy-efficient LED lights."

Kamiskotia opened on Dec. 22, and will be open again after the holidays on Dec. 27.

"We have a very good mix of families, kids, adults, even ski racers," said Haveruk. "There's at least 42 members of the Timmins Ski Racers this year.

"I believe we've sold over 1,000 passes this year, which is good. They used to sell around 300."

Other changes this year include an increased rental fleet, two new ski runs (named Black 1 and Black 2) on the previously neglected North side of the mountain, and Lanny's Chili Hut and Fries taking care of food services, including well-priced hot chocolate to warm up the body and soul.

"This year, we also have the night shuttle bus," said Haveruk. "The bus gets you from in town to Kamiskotia for 6 p.m. and leaves the resort at 11:30 p.m. So if you happen to be an adult of legal drinking age and didn't want to drive home, there's a bus.

"It drops people off at the bottom of Kamiskotia Road, SportsChek at the Timmins Square, Metro Foods, the McIntyre Arena, and Porcupine Mall, for $5 one-way, or $8 two-ways."

The opening of the new-look resort's season was met with a frigid North wind, but also a bright sun beaming down on the mountain's snow-covered pines. In essence, it was the perfect day to go skiing or snowboarding.

Pascal Bélanger sat in the chalet with two buddies, Bailey Cook and Ken Raymond, enjoying a quick bite to eat before heading back out on the slopes.

"We took the bus here at 8:30 a.m., so we're stuck here until 4 p.m. Poor us!" exclaimed Bélanger. "We're going to have fun. It's such a good deal, $8 for the bus here and back, then you're good to go for the whole day."

Down in the equipment rental room, Steven Swain was waiting for a friend of his own to strap into his boots and board. With goggles on his head, he was also getting ready for the first ride of the season.

"I've probably been looking forward to this since the last day of the season last year," said Swain. "I'm more of a park skier, so we do rails in town as soon as the snow fall comes and all that stuff. It's good to be able to come back here."

As for Haveruk, he's been a skier for 43 years, and an instructor for most of those. He has lived in snow-havens such as Switzerland, New Zealand and British-Columbia.

"I've lived all over the world and taught all over the world, but I came here because, in my eyes, Mount Jamieson is the only mountain in Ontario that's a four-sided mountain," explained Haveruk. "It's not a slope like some of the other ski areas. It has huge variety, anything from beginners to extreme skiing.

"I'm here for fun, I'm here to enjoy my skiing, and at the same time, I'm working with everyone and with the board (of directors) to make Kamiskotia an even more fun and exciting place than ever before."